Timeline
A recruitment process that named a preferred candidate for the National Skills Fund's top job stalled for nearly a year — and is now being restarted, with the department unable to produce key records.
Mid-2025
Recruitment Panel Recommends a Candidate
A DHET panel — including then-Minister Nobuhle Nkabane, then-Deputy Minister Buti Manamela, Director-General Nkosinathi Sishi, Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and former Social Development Minister Sisisi Tolashe — interviews candidates for NSF CEO. Dr Innocent Sirovha emerges as the preferred candidate.
Following the interviews
Nkabane Seeks Concurrence
In a leaked letter, Nkabane requests concurrence from DPSA Minister Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi for Sirovha's appointment — the process stalls at this stage and is never finalised.
Undated
Sirovha Told the Job Is His
Sirovha alleges Acting Deputy Director-General Bayanda Mzoneli calls to confirm his appointment as CEO, pending Cabinet concurrence, and that departmental officials repeatedly assured him it was imminent.
17 June 2026
Manamela Orders a Restart
Now Minister, Manamela writes to Sishi instructing that the post be re-advertised, citing an inability to produce comparative candidate assessments, competency-test records, score sheets and minutes from the original process.
By 29 June 2026
Department Ordered to Act
Manamela directs the department to submit the paperwork needed to formally facilitate the re-advertisement.
Now
Records Missing, Appointment Contested
DHET confirms the post will be re-advertised. Officials say key recruitment records cannot be located — possibly held in the deleted cloud profile of a former employee — and an investigation has been ordered. Sirovha alleges the restart is designed to circumvent his appointment and says he is prepared to pursue the matter in court; the DPSA declines to comment.
Timeline compiled by Daily Maverick — dates and details as reported. No court proceedings have been filed at the time of writing.